HUNDREDS of properties in the North-East are without gas after a water from a damaged pipe entered the mains system.

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks (NGN) are working to restore gas supplies to properties in the Delves Lane and Castle Dene areas of Consett, County Durham.

The incident occurred when water from a damaged water main entered the gas mains on Thursday morning.

John Richardson, customer operations area manager of Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to thank residents for their continued patience while we work to restore the gas supplies to customers in the Delves Lane and Castle Dene areas.

“Our priority is to get customers back on gas as quickly as possible and we’re doing everything we can to ensure people have access to heating, hot water and food while they are without gas.

“Electric hot plates and heaters are available for residents at the Village Hall on Delves Lane and we’ve organised oil heaters for elderly and vulnerable customers.”

Free hot food is being made available from a catering van outside the Delves Lane Village Hall from around and food vouchers for fish and chips can be picked up from inside the hall.

Free shower facilities have been arranged at Belle Vue Leisure Centre on Ashdale Road in Consett.

Around 780 properties are currently affected in Birch Grove, Briardale, Castledene Road, College View, Delves Lane, Delves Terrace, Douai Drive, Greencroft Road, Greenways, Greenways Court, Iveston Road, Ladywell Road, Lumley Drive, Meadow View, Pixley Dell and Woody Close.

A spokesman for Northumbria Water said: "We are working with Northern Gas Networks to resolve this matter as quickly as possible."

For advice call 0800-040-7766, option 7 or drop into the incident room at Delves Lane Village Hall.